MP3 FAQ
Maintained by Ernie French smokingisbadforyourhealth@gmail.com
Posted once a month to alt.mp3

1. Can my mp3s ever get scratched?
Yes, so you should take special care of them and don't pile them up.

2. Can my mp3s ever wear out?
Yes.  However, you can reduce this by always playing an mp3 all the way through.  Never stop it in the middle, and never play one part more than the others.  That unbalances the mp3 and will weaken certain sections of it.

3. How can I fix a chipped mp3?
Take a soldering iron and a tiny bit of carpenter's glue.  Dab it on there and then immediately put the mp3 in the microwave on low power for 5 seconds.  Then take a bit of sandpaper and file off any protruding glue.  It should work fine.

4. How can I fix a cracked mp3?
This is a big job, and if it's a rare MP3 you might want to get a professional to do it.  However, the basic technique is to heat the mp3 to the same temperature as the melting point of carpenters glue, then apply the glue, file off the rough edges, and wait for it to dry.  You will need to clamp the mp3 steady with a vise.  Normal vices are too rough for this.  You can buy a special mp3-vise, but I just like to put a bit of felt over the jaws to soften them.

5. I lost my mp3 case, where can I get new ones?
Most music stores sell blank mp3 sleeves.  I bought a 100-pack a while ago and just take them out when I need them.  Some special sleeves are made so that you can put them through a silk-screen and make new cover art for you mp3s.

6. How should I protect my mp3s?
Always, always return them to their sleeve when you're done.  Store them in low humidity areas, without extremes of temperature.  If children are in the house, warn them to stay away.

7. How can I make my own mp3s?
It's expensive, but not as bad as it used to be.  The method is similar to how the first mp3s were made by Edison - using a very soft surface, and yelling at the needle as it goes around the mp3.  The problem with this is that the mp3 comes out too soft and you have to be really careful with it.  It takes expensive equipment to etch permanent mp3s.

8. Can anyone tell what an mp3s is just by looking at it?
Yes, there are a few people who have learned to recognize the characteristic groove patterns of different types of music.  Unless you have great vision I wouldn't waste your time trying though.

9. Is it safe to write on mp3s?
Sure, but always use a felt-tipped pen and write lightly on a smooth surface.

10. Do any mp3s have hidden tracks?
A few artists have delighted their fans by putting extra tracks at the end of the mp3.  However, they're usually really short, and since it's necessary to partially disassemble the mp3 to get to them, they're usually not worth it. 

11. I don't like the first song on my mp3.  How can I skip it?
It's easier than you think.  Simply pick up the needle and move it forward on the mp3, then drop it down gently.  If you drop it too hard, it could scratch the mp3.

12. My mp3-player needle is broken.  Where can I get a new one?
Most needles on common players are really cheap.  You'll want to go to a needle store and pick up a diamond tipped needle for about 30$.  Assembly can be a pain, so you should bring the player to the store as well.  They'll usually do it for you for only 5$.  You won't believe how good your mp3s sound with a professional quality needle.

13. Can you recommend some mp3 gear?
Sure.  First, start with MP3 Collector Magazine.  Then you'll want to find a local store.  Stereophonic headphones will blow your mind.  There are lots of mp3-cleaning creams and gels, but they're all junk.  A simple 10-grain scouring pad applied gently under a full moon should work fine.

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Last Update September 21, 2005